What is a gerund?

A gerund is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions specifically as a noun within a sentence. This means it can take the place of a noun in various grammatical contexts – for example, it can be the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or the object of a preposition. In the correct choice, the term "present participle form of a verb" refers to this -ing ending distinguishing the gerund from other verb forms. Thus, the phrase “used as a noun” accurately identifies its grammatical function, confirming why this choice is the correct answer. Understanding this helps clarify how gerunds are employed in writing and speech, enriching a student's grasp of verb forms and their uses.